The Big Field by Mike Lupica

Hutch loves baseball. He lives for it. He breathes it. And in the summer, it's all he can think about. Even having to play second base instead of shortstop (his real position) doesn't dim his love for baseball. Not even the hotshot now playing shortstop.

When his team gets their chance to play in their version of the World Series, Hutch is ecstatic. Baseball season is never long enough. But the road there is paved with problems...Hutch zoned out and stole a play from Darryl (the hotshot), he catches Darryl and Hutch's dad practicing together (something Hutch's dad never does with Hutch), and Hutch gets suspended a game after starting a fight.

In the world of baseball, it's all about teamwork and balance. Hutch needs to find both to help the team make it to the championship.

Hutch is a great character, but he is only one of many. Most of the characters are fleshed out--at least the main players (his best friend, his parents, Darryl...). The action of the game is clear and the author clearly knows baseball lingo. A great book for any sports nut--especially baseball.

7 Days at the Hot Corner by Terry Trueman

Baseball is Scott's life. He plays 3rd base--the hot corner--and loves it. Baseball has always been his refuge.

Then his best friend, Travis, tells him he's gay. And Scott's life is turned upside down and all he can think about is what everyone else will think when they find out. Scott also worries he might have gotten HIV from Travis, who bled all over him a few months before. The HIV test takes 5 business days, 7 days total, for Scott to find out the truth. His entire future is in doubt--in his own mind anyway.

This begins the seven longest days of his life. In those seven days, Scott struggles to understand his friendship with Travis, his family, and still focus enough to win the state championship ball game.

A very short book that focuses on gays, HIV, baseball, divorce, and friendship. Scott isn't a likeable character right away--too self-absorbed. He grows on you.